Mike Vick knows he's here to help, whatever that might mean

This week, Mike Vick spoke to the press for the first time face-to-face since being signed by the team and a lot of reading between the lines has taken place. While the Jets have stated that there will be a little-c-competition, Vick was quick to shut the door this past week on that little-c-competition being "open" and therefore turning into a big-c-competition.

"Going through the competition with Nick [Foles], we knew, both of us, that it was an open competition; the best guy was going to win the job," Vick told reporters last Thursday. "This situation is different. It's kind of unique. Even though it's not an open competition, we're both competing every day."

Vick is saying all the right things, subjecting himself to his coaches, front office and teammates while expressing that he still wishes to play. There's no upside to him rocking the boat. If he needs to play, he can play, but he knows his place is to make Geno better first. There's a conflicted duality there for a player who was the first overall pick more than a decade ago, but it is a common refrain for many NFL players as they see the end of their career on the horizon.

Over the next four months, when it comes to the Jets, there will be more ink and pixels dedicated to the Geno Smith / Mike Vick storyline than any other for the sole purpose of grabbing your eyeballs. It would seem that the Jets quarterbacks, coaches and front office staff have agreed that Geno Smith is the team's top quarterback -- even if there will be some level of competition or "pushing" as the team has termed it.

So how did we get to this point?

Free agency began on March 8 with the contract negotiation period, Vick didn't sign with the Jets until March 22. A full two weeks passed between the time when Vick and his agents could officially talk with teams to find the quarterback a new home and in all that time, Vick didn't go to a clear-cut landing spot where he could start ... be that Oakland, Houston or maybe even Minnesota or Jacksonville, despite clear deficiencies. Instead, there was lots of talk about him staying in Philadelphia or going to San Francisco, both as backups.

Instead, Vick wound up signing with a team that played their rookie quarterback in all 16 games last year despite, as offensive coordinator Marty Morhinweg termed it, some "horrendous" offensive efforts. Obviously the team would like to see Geno Smith start all 16 games again in 2014 with less horrendous play, but the team couldn't stomach taking their chances with the flatlined Mark Sanchez in that second spot.

The team pitched Vick on joining the Jets and on March 22 he came to New York.

On a conference call that day, Vick talked about his role and that of presumptive starter Geno Smith.

“As of right now I’m planning to come in and compete with Geno [Smith],” Vick said during a his introductory call. “I’ll push [Geno] as hard as I can, push him to be the best, try to become the best that I can be ... for me it’s all about competing right now and trying to bring the best out of the other quarterbacks.”

Vick was then asked about whether he'd be alright with sitting on the bench for the entire 2014 season. His answer was telling.

“I wouldn’t say I would necessarily be OK with sitting on the bench all year,” Vick said. “But I know what I signed up for, I know what I came to New York to do. First and foremost I came to compete and be a helping hand for Geno, and he has a long way to go. We both talked. We both agreed we’re going to push one another and make each other better. So whatever happens, happens. And I know what I signed up for. At the end of the day I’ll be content with it.”

Those words sound like those of a player who understood his role as the backup from his first day. They also sound like the words of a longtime starter explaining that he still considers himself a gamer and that he would like the ball in his hands; but that he also understands he came to New York to help the Jets by helping Geno. Whether that entails Vick sitting or playing, he understands he's here to play a role. That's the hive mentality that has come over the team since GM John Idzik took charge. Not necessarily a bad thing.

“Everything we do will be an organizational decision," Rex Ryan told Pro Football Talk back in early April when asked about his quarterbacks. "I’m the guy that ultimately says, ‘this guy is the guy’ or whatever in front of everybody. [But] believe me, it is a collaborative effort. Marty Mornhinweg as our offensive coordinator, great offensive coordinator, [we] will lean heavily on him [and] in my opinion, the best quarterbacks coach in football, David Lee ... That decision’s a New York Jet decision and at the appropriate time we’ll make that decision.”

With Mornhinweg being one of those sage voices that coach and general manager will listen to closely, what did Mornhinweg say about his quarterbacks?

In his first interview since the team signed Vick, Morhinweg told reporters shortly before the draft that the Jets signed Vick “for a purpose,” and that the former Eagle has “a really important role here.”

According to Mornhinweg, that role is: “To compete, to push Geno and to make Geno the very best [Vick] can make [Geno]. I wanted to make sure that Mike was ready for that. I think this thing is going to work beautifully. We’ll see. I would expect Geno to progress at a high rate with Mike’s help.”

Pretty clear, yes? That sounds like a day-to-day manager explaining that Employee Number One's main job is to help Employee Number Seven. Still, it's not as if Mornhinweg thinks Vick is over the hill.

“He’s 33-years-old, and he’s still got it,” Mornhinweg said.

While Vick has expressed the desire to start, Mornhinweg knows from his time in Philly that Vick can swallow his pride and help out his teammate this summer, no matter what.

“Mike’s going to handle [playing behind Geno] real well,” Mornhinweg said. “He’s going to do the right thing. If he’s called upon to play and when he’s called upon to play, I expect Mike Vick to play at a real high level.”

While Vick seemed the subject of much of the interviewers' interest, Mornhinweg answered questions about his starter too.

While Smith struggled through his first 12 games, Mornhinweg was buoyed by his December play, saying that Smith played “at a real high level," by limiting his turnovers in the final four games, with no interceptions in the last two.

“He progressed beautifully in the last quarter of the season,” Mornhinweg said. “Geno is in the middle of a progression. He’s a fine young quarterback.”

Coach Rex Ryan agrees based on what he saw at the end of 2013.

“Geno Smith is going to be hard to beat out,” Ryan said two weeks ago on WFAN with Mike Francesa. “He knows the offense forward and backwards.”

While Smith may be difficult to beat out, Ryan did say that that Vick “definitely” has a shot to win the job in the preseason. So how would such a thing happen?

The Jets have struggled in recent years with holding onto the football.

“We have to protect the football better, first and foremost,” Rex Ryan said last November after Smith's four turnover implosion against the Bills. While Smith had a few games he didn't finish, the team stayed with him and had the benefit of seeing his turning the corner a few weeks later.

Still, offensive turnovers have plagued Rex's last three seasons with New York. Granted the team's defensive turnovers have been down, but Mark Sanchez's play almost dragged one of the greatest defensive minds in football down with him. Among other things, offensive turnovers have been one of the team's biggest undoings in the last three seasons.

So, while all signs point to the Jets letting Geno start this September, the one way that doesn't happen is if he can't protect the football accordingly. But thanks to the front office's big picture thinking, the team has a veteran gamer should it come to that.

But if it does, it is only because the Mike Vick did everything he could to help the guy ahead of him first.

4 players Jets could take in NFL Draft if they trade down

Mike Maccagnan could still get elite defensive help further down

As expected, the Jets have been extremely busy in free agency as the lead into the NFL Draft. And when late April comes around, New York has great position at No. 3 to add another immediate impact player for next season.

But with that high draft pick and the Jets already settled in the quarterback department, GM Mike Maccagnan will certainly be listening to phone calls to potentially make a trade to move down.

The Jets will likely be looking for a defensive playmaker with that third overall selection, and though players like DE Josh Allen and DE Nick Bosa are in the conversation in the Top 3, there are still plenty more elite prospects to choose from. But, if all signs point to the Cardinals selecting QB Kyler Murray first overall, the Jets would likely keep that No. 3 pick to get either Allen or Bosa.

The Jets have found their backup quarterback as QB Trevor Siemian signed a one-year deal with the team, his agent Mike McCartney confirming via Twitter. Siemian's deal has a $2 million base salary that could reach $3 million with incentives.

With veteran QB Josh McCown still undecided as to whether he wants to play next season, the Jets brought in an experience backup for Sam Darnold now in Siemian to fill out the depth chart. Davis Webb, who was acquired off waivers when the Giants cut him last year, is also under contract for the 2019 season.

The 27-year-old wanted a change of scenery as the Vikings were interested in bringing him back for another season to sit behind Kirk Cousins. However, he is now joining Gang Green and provides the Jets with more than just a serviceable option in case something happens to Darnold.

La Canfora speculates that the play for the Redskins could be to trade from No. 15 to get the Jets' pick at No. 3. That would allow them to jump ahead of the Giants at No. 6 and snatch Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins from them (if he is indeed who the Giants are targeting).

Aside from the Giants and Redskins as candidates who could try to deal with the Jets for No. 3, La Canfora mentions the Broncos and Jaguars, but doubts either would do it.

The new Jets running back, who signed a four-year, $52.5 million deal with $35 million guaranteed, is ready for a fresh new start in New York while leaving behind some ugly memories in Pittsburgh where he chose to sit out the entire 2019 season.

But it was more than just about the money for Bell.

While he previously detailed the roller-coaster of the last year he had negotiating with the Steelers, the 27-year-old opened up a little more about his experience in Pittsburgh on the field and in the locker room during an interview with Sports Illustrated -- particularly how the organization compares with the Jets, from whom he immediately felt a different vibe than he never had with the Steelers.

Jets' Le'Veon Bell says Steelers holdout was supposed to only be for Week 1

Bell admitted being nervous he wouldn't be welcomed by team

Mar 19 | 9:09PM

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Le'Veon Bell (Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports)

Jets new RB Le'Veon Bell was under tons of scrutiny last season for holding out from the Steelers, and declining to sign his franchise tag to play in 2018. But that wasn't his initial plan as he headed into the season.

In an interview with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler this weekend, Bell said he had every intention to return to Steelers camp during the Week 7 bye. But it looks like Bell actually wanted to return to the team after Week 1 following an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated.

"At first I was literally thinking like, 'I don't want to play camp and OTAs' because of the hurt in my body and I'm like, 'I'm not playing,'" Bell told Sports Illustrated's Jenny Vrentas. "When Week 1 comes, I'm going to come, but the things that kind of led up to Week 1, I starting thinking, 'I'm not going to play Week 1.' After even Week 1, it started to build up and it's not making me feel comfortable."

With Le'Veon Bell a new centerpiece in the Jets' offense, the organization brought back two familiar faces to strengthen their blocking schemes Tuesday.

New York re-signed offensive lineman Bren Qvale and tight end Eric Tomlinson, who primarily operates as a blocking tight end in the offense. The team also confirmed the signing of tight endDaniel Brown.

Tomlinson ended last season on injured reserve after he dropped a weight on his foot. Before that, he made 12 starts and appeared in 15 games, and served as a special teams contributor. He first joined the Jets in 2016 and has played in 36 games total with 16 catches for 193 yards and one career touchdown.

Jets sign former Bears TE Daniel Brown

Bears spent most of 2018 on special teams

Mar 18 | 10:39PM

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Chicago Bears tight end Trey Burton celebrates with tight end Daniel Brown after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Soldier Field. (Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports)

The Jets signed former Bears and Ravens tight end Daniel Brown to a contract, according to his agent.

Brown, 26, played in 14 games last season but did not record a completion on offense. He spent most of his time on special teams.

Since debuting with Baltimore in 2015, Brown has 35 catches for 317 yards and one touchdown.

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Former Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick lands with AFC East rival

36-year-old signs two-year, $11-million deal with Miami

Mar 17 | 3:07PM

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New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) prepares to throw the ball against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. (Brad Penner)

Ryan Fitzpatrick's renaissance behind center will bring him back to the AFC East.

The QB signed a two-year, $11-million deal with Miami on Sunday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and other reports. Fitzpatrick quarterbacked the Jets for two seasons in 2015 and 2016 before heading to Tampa Bay for two years.

His new contract, though, gives him the chance to face his old team twice a year. It will be his third go-around in the division; he played four seasons in Buffalo.

While the Le'Veon Bell signing received the most attention, the biggest financial outlay for the Jets this offseason was the C.J. Mosley deal. The former Baltimore Ravens linebacker signed a five-year contract worth up to $85 million. Will it prove to be worth it though?

There's no doubting Mosley's talent, as he's been a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro in four of his five seasons. The Ravens went to the postseason twice in those five years with Mosley anchoring their defense, including an AFC North division title win in 2018. He has nine interceptions, six forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in his career, so he should provide some impact plays.

The Jets are most likely to employ Mosley as the middle linebacker in Gregg Williams' new system. In fact, there's a good chance Williams may have identified Mosley as an ideal central cog to install his scheme around. Ideally, he would have had Anthony Barr as well, but that move obviously fell apart at the 11th hour. Another clue as to how important the Jets saw having a player of Mosley's caliber on the team comes from the size of his contract.

New Jets RB Le'Veon Bell details roller-coaster Steelers holdout

Bell nearly returned midseason until learning of rule from social media

Mar 16 | 6:48PM

New Jets running back Le'Veon Bell had every intention of returning to the Steelers during their Week 7 bye to sign his franchise tender, hit the field several weeks later and play out the rest of the season, believing he had no other choice if he wanted an accrued season in order to hit free agency this year.

But in an interview with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Bell revealed that he learned from social media that he didn't need to play at all to hit free agency as long as the Steelers didn't tag him again. Once he confirmed that with his agent, his goal to remain off the field the whole season to preserve his health for more guaranteed money was back in play.

"That was the biggest mix-up the whole time," Bell told Fowler. "I thought I had to sit out until Week 10 or else they can tag me again. Around before the bye week, that's when I found out I didn't have to play."

With the recent flurry of big-name signings, the first major move of the offseason is perhaps being overlooked.

The Jets acquired two-time Pro Bowl guard Kelechi Osemele from the Raiders in exchange for a day three pick swap. Here's why that move could end up being the most important one the Jets have made this offseason.

A change in attitude

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WATCH: 'Machado Kid' Jacob Carpenter talks Yankees, Jets on BNNY

Carpenter still glad Manny Machado went elsewhere but has a problem with the Jets

Mar 15 | 7:08PM

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'Machado Kid' joins BNNY00:00:56

Jacob Carpenter went viral with his take on why he didn't want Manny Machado on the Yankees. Watch more Yankees and Jets takes on BNNY.

Nearly one month later, Jacob Carpenter's mind hasn't changed.

The "Machado Kid" who went viral in SNY's video of his reaction to Manny Machado signing with the Padres is still glad that the star infielder didn't end up with the Yankees.

"I'm definitely happy that Machado did not sign," Carpenter said while he was an in-studio guest on Baseball Night in New York.

Gang Green scored with Le'Veon Bell but how do the rest of their moves look?

The Jets put their faith in Mike Maccagnan on the day in December when they fired coach Todd Bowles. Ownership was making it clear it believed in the general manager's plan and vision. Christopher Johnson had faith that Maccagnan could carry it out.

So armed with nearly $100 million in salary cap space as they headed into free agency, Maccagnan headed into one of the most crucial offseasons this star-crossed franchise has ever had. He needed to win big. He needed some splashy signings.

And he certainly didn't disappoint.

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Jets icon Curtis Martin believes Le'Veon Bell will follow him to HOF

Bell idolized Martin growing up

Mar 15 | 9:36AM

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New York Jets former running back Curtis Martin enters the stadium for the Professional Football HOF enshrinement ceremonies at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. (Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports)

Le'Veon Bell said one of the reasons he joined the Jets was because he idolized Hall of Famer Curtis Martin growing up.

And Martin believes Bell has what it takes to follow him to Canton.

"For a guy like Le'Veon, it's not about, 'Can he make it to the Hall of Fame?' ... He's like an Adrian Peterson-like guy. Those guys, they don't have to play 12, 13, 14 years to make it to the Hall of Fame if they just work hard and take care of business now," Martin said, according to the New York Post's Steve Serby.

New York Jets running back Le'Veon Bell explains why deep down he wanted to choose the Jets. Jamal Adams' excellent recruiting also helped.

When Le'Veon Bell entered free agency this offseason, he always had the Jets on his list of desired teams. And once GM Mike Maccagnan came calling with the right offer, he knew he had to pull the trigger.

"The Jets (were) just kind of the team I had in the back of my mind where I wanted to go," Bell told SNY's Ralph Vacchiano over a conference call after the Jets made the signing official Thursday night.

But the numbers Bell agreed to came under heavy scrutiny. The Steelers offered him a five-year, $70 million deal, but after sitting out a year to keep his body fresh and hopefully increase his value on the market, he agreed to a four-year, $52.5 million contract with the Jets...

Catanzaro played for Jets in 2017

Mar 15 | 8:28AM

New York Jets kicker Chandler Catanzaro makes a field goal as punter Lac Edwards holds the ball during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)

The Jets re-signed kicker Chandler Catanzaro to replace Pro Bowler Jason Myers, the team announced Friday.

Catanzaro, 28, was 16-for-20 on field goals and 30-for-35 on extra points in 13 games with the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. He was 0-for-3 between 40 and 49 yards but made all three of his attempts from at least 50 yards.

With New York in 2017, Catanzaro made 25 of 30 field goals and converted all 29 extra points. He was 12-for-17 in the 40-yard range and 2-for-2 from beyond 50.

He told his agent he would take a deal with the Jets but had immediate regrets. After a quick panic he decided to call off the wedding.

"It wasn't necessarily physically ill. It wasn't the middle of the night. It was more so when I hung up the phone after saying, 'Yeah, I can do New York.' My stomach dropped, I kind of got some cold sweats," Barr told NFL Network on Thursday.

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Jets agree to deal with free agent CB Brian Poole

Former Falcon gets one-year, $3.5 million deal to be Jets' slot corner

The Jets and cornerback Brian Poole have agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract, according to multiple reports.

The 26-year-old joins the Jets after spending three seasons with the Falcons, who did not tender the restricted free agent. Poole should replace Buster Skrine as the Jets' slot corner after Skrine signed with Chicago.

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: Before free agency even officially began, the Jets had handed out $173 million worth of contracts on four new players, and that went with another $51.7 million in deals to bring back four of their own. They even tried to hand out another $100 million or so in contracts, before edge-rusher Anthony Barr changed his mind and center Matt Paradis signed somewhere else.

So the Jets have been busy, and there's no doubt that with the additions of running back Le'Veon Bell, linebacker C.J. Mosley and receiver Jamison Crowder, they are better than they were a few days ago.

But they're not done yet. They still have some cap room to spend and some holes to fill. Lucky for them, NFL free agency is still really only beginning and there are a bunch of good players left to sign:

It doesn't seem as if linebacker C.J. Mosley will be pulling an Anthony Barr.

Though the Jets have yet to officially announce the signing of Mosley -- they finally announced the Le'Veon Bell signing Thursday evening -- Mosley was at the Jets' training facility in Florham Park on Thursday as he shared a picture on his Instagram story with "New beginnings!" written on it.

How Jets' structure of Le'Veon Bell's contract further proves they won the deal

Bell's numbers in this deal compared to Steelers offer is much less

Mar 14 | 1:22PM

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(Charles LeClaire)

The numeric details of Le'Veon Bell's four-year, $52.5 million deal with the Jets were released on Thursday, and it is safe to say New York got themselves a great deal for one of the most dynamic weapons in the NFL.

Breaking it down, Bell will earn $14.5 million for the 2019 season, but will only count for a $8.5 million cap hit because of the $2 million from his signing bonus and $4.5 million roster bonus to go along with a $2 million base salary. His two-year total, then, comes to $26 million with $11.5 million coming his way while being a $13.5 million cap hit.

There is a potential out of his contract in 2021, and it would only be a $4 million cap hit. But, to keep Bell from potentially sitting out again, the Jets implimented two $3 million training camp reporting bonuses in 2021 and 2022, which comes after the $35 million in guaranteed money has been shelled out.

Kirk Cousins is a fan of Le'Veon Bell joining the Jets

Bell and Cousins were Michigan State teammates

Mar 14 | 12:43PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins drops back to pass against the New York Jets during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. (Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports)

Kirk Cousins infamously spurned the Jets last offseason to sign with the Minnesota Vikings.

But he's happy his former college teammate, Le'Veon Bell, is playing with New York.

Bell, who agreed to a four-year, $52.5 million deal with the Jets, tweeted how he's happy to be in green and white again, just like his Michigan State days. And Cousins made sure to salute his former teammate.

WATCH: What should Jets gameplan be with Le'Veon Bell?

Should the Jets have a "pitch count" for the Pro Bowler?

Mar 14 | 12:39AM

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Gameplan for Le'Veon Bell00:00:59

The Jets got Le'Veon Bell as a big piece for Sam Darnold. With a lot of mileage on him from Pittsburgh, will NY have Bell on a snap count?

Le'Veon Bell made his decision to come to the Jets late Tuesday night, as GM Mike Maccagnan got the man he wanted. Bell is expected to be a major impact for the offense, even with a full year of sitting out in 2018.

But how should the Jets deploy them? Bell got a heavy workload while in Pittsburgh, but the Jets may not want to use him the same way to make sure his body and performance hold up through the four-year contract.

The SNY Jets Crew discusses how Bell will impact the Jets this season, and if a "pitch count" is warranted for head coach Adam Gase to use...

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Jets losing two Pro Bowlers from 2018 season

Kicker Jason Myers and return specialist Andre Roberts won't return

Mar 13 | 12:49PM

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New York Jets kicker Jason Myers kicks a field goal during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. (Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports)

Two special-teams Pro Bowlers won't be returning to the Jets this year.

Jason Myers, who made the Pro Bowl in 2018, posted a thank you message to Jets fans Wednesday afternoon, and SNY's Ralph Vacchiano reports that Myers indeed isn't expected to return to the Jets. Additionally, the Jets are not expected to re-sign return specialist Andre Roberts, according to the Daily News.

Before the Odell Beckham Jr. trade madness and the Jets finally landing Le'Veon Bell on Tuesday night, the 49ers made a trade of their own for DE/OLB Dee Ford.

And with that trade, the Jets may have just won the Nick Bosa sweepstakes.

Bosa is arguably the best defensive end in an NFL Draft class that is stacked with many talented edge rushers. He is certainly on the Jets' radar to take at No. 3 overall, but the 49ers -- like many others -- have him on their big board as well. And San Francisco owns the pick before New York, so they could grab Bosa before the Jets have the chance...